Reviews on The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga

Today, I read Review about The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

Introduction:

People who’re fond of literature might have a lot to say about Aravind Adiga’s novel - known to garner mixed reactions. While some have dissed it, calling it cheap selling of India’s poverty and the glaring class divide, some have appreciated it. Finally getting it for my book shelves last Saturday, I finished reading it some time ago. I have good things to say about it, though can somewhat understand the negative opinions surrounding it

Plot:

For starters, the story talks of the journey of a man born into a poor family in Laxmangarh, a small-town in rural India. He’s a rebel who was never meant to rise from the rags for doing anything substantial, but carved a place for himself in the society - a society wherein the fate of a poor man is dependent upon the blessings of the rich - through manipulation and hard work, and then proceeds to do something unimaginable and contrasting to his persona.

Analysis:

Halfway through the book, there was a portion where the two Indias Mr Adiga keeps referring to, cease to exist when the then loyal servant Balram, and his master - the drunk, broody Mr Ashok, devastated after having separated from his wife - succumb their inhibitions to each other. Balram, still somewhat scrupulous in his duties, lets go of his sceptical thoughts for the sake of loyalty and genuine affection for his master, and as a reader, it’s difficult to miss out on the earnestness his character exudes.

As Balram attempts to uplift the spirits of Ashok out of despondency, citing examples and instances from the Gita and sharing real and made-up anecdotes from his village, you sense the rich-poor divide dissolving and the barrier being broken. That’s when Aravind Adiga’s raging piece of fiction becomes most optimistic about life. Neither the portions preceding this part of the narrative - involving the hardships initially faced by the protagonist in search for a job and subsequently being exploited by the landlords he services - nor the ones following it prove to be anything less than disturbing. He showcases an India you were already much aware of through dailies and news channels, but chose to be oblivious to and shun owing to insensitive media reporting and other crucial tasks to take care of.

RATING: 4/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER pranay22 ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on New Delhi

Today, I read Review about New Delhi on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

One of the sad parts about visiting a city is that when you’re in the city, you realise that many locals havent seen the city though they have lived a lifetime there. In mumbai, for example, I had been to Haji Ali only after 7 years of being in Mumbai. Similarly, in Delhi, not many have visited Jantar mantar which is at its heart. Therefore an outsider might appreciate the place much better.


So here’s a quick "What you should do, where/how/why you should go etc" et al when you plan to visit Delhi. The first question is - Is Delhi worth visiting? Absolutely!


What’s great about Delhi?


1. History - A city that has a long and rich history and as a result lots of places of historical significance/hertiage are in Delhi. And this is the biggest reason one should visit Delhi


Place you must see and that are easily accessible
a. Red Fort - Near chandi chowk
b. Rajghat - Gandhi’s memorial
c. Qutub Minar - The entire Qutub complex is an experience, be it the mosque which was built using the ruins of a temple and the artisans of the hindu community. Beautiful blend of both cultures. 
d. Humayun’s tomb - This monument can come close to the taj - Fascinating monument where you can spend hours!!! This tomb also has other tomb’s attached it to and the entire complex is worth an experience.
e. Purana Quilla - Couldnt spend much time here but whatever little I could see, it was worth
f. India gate and rashtripati bhavan - The entire central secretariat area has several   buildings/monuments such as India Gate, North and South Block are places one can visit. Also try and visit India gate at night when it’s lit up.
g. Lajpat Nagar/chandni chowk/Saket - For some shopping. Couldn’t try any paratha’s though :(
h. Jama masjid - The largest mosque in India. 


Entry fee is part of many monuments except Jama Masjid. Fee would range between Rs 5 to Rs 30. An audio guided tour could cost Rs 100.


2. Roads and Delhi Metro : For anyone coming from Mumbai or Bangalore - This is surely to hit them. MASSIVE roads everywhere and must say good roads. As for the Metro, again coming from Mumbai- This metro is just like an Airport. Escalators everywhere, clear directions of what is to be done, clean, fast, efficient. This Metro is some example of an infrastructure project pulled off brilliantly. 


3. Clean and green: Delhi is real clean. Some say its cus of the CWG for which the city had got its act together. And Delhi has plenty of vast expansions of land that gives it a very open feel and never cramped.


4. F1 circuit (when the race is on)- Not visited this place, though had plans, but my friends tell me this was some experience. So do try and catch it. This is in greater noida - Travel by Metro

RATING: 4/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER nirvana. ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on Domino's Pizza

Today, I read Review about Domino's Pizza on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

My affair with branded pizzas start little late in my life as there was no outlets in my residential town. It all started with my frequent traveling after my studies. Now I can proudly say that I have tasted varieties of pizzas. This review is not about pizzas; it is about the pizza maker. So let us start. 

Frankly speaking, my first love is Pizza Hut and I tried Domino’s when there was no PH outlet nearby. But gradually I started loving Domino’s so the review is about the offerings, positives and negatives of Domino’s. 

History

In 1960, Tom Monaghan and his brother, James, purchased DomiNick’s, a small pizza store in US which was renamed as Domino’s Pizza, Inc. in 1965. The company logo was originally planned to add a new dot with the addition of every new store, but this idea quickly faded as Domino’s experienced rapid growth. The three dots represent the stores opened in 1969.

Location

The first outlet of Domino’s was opened in January 1996 in New Delhi. As on last financial year, there are more than 378 stores in India. What I like most about Domino’s is that it can easily be found in any nook and corner of a city unlike Pizza Hut. It is the largest Pizza chain in India. 

Furnishing and servicing

The word furnishing and servicing doesn’t apply to Domino’s as they used to keep bare minimum in their store and you have to self-service your orders. Normally I have found a water cooler in every store (exceptions are there) where you can quench your thirst by pouring water in disposable glasses. 

They don’t use any cutlery in their store and they have logic behind it that nothing should come between you and your pizza and it tastes good when eaten by your hands. The pizzas and other offering are served in disposables. 

The look of the store is almost similar everywhere. There will be a reception-cum-order counter where you can order of your choice, pay the amount, take the order receipt and sit at any table. Do note the order number mentioned on the order receipt, they might display it on small LCD displays or sometimes a bearer may come with your order searching for you. And in many stores, there will be no display and they will keep shouting your order number standing beside the reception counter. 

Food and prices

Like most of the other pizza stores, it also offers almost all the similar things but with different taste. 

Pizzas- There is three pizza sizes available like all other stores- Regular (7", serves 1), Medium (10", serves 2) and Large (13", serves 4). The prices vary from 50-100% as per the size. 

RATING: 3/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER amiqu ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on Apple iPhone 4

Today, I read Review about Apple iPhone 4 on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

Its been a year plus since I have written a review on mouthshut. Not because it lost its charm or due to lack of interest but genuine reason of me settling into a career. And the iphone 4 is that kind of product that urged me to return and let my fellow MSians know exactly why its worth a purchase.

I like apple. I love their innovation and technological brilliance. But not enough to convince me to switch to one. No that’d be too much trouble. That said I was one of the initial iphone haters. I mean itunes to put stuff into my phone?!! No way! Cant put in an mp3 as ringtone?!! Cant choose your own background?! I just couldnt deal with the control issues of apple. 

Now what actually made me get an iphone? esp this close to the launch of the iphone5? Well I have to give credit to android actually. Sure its the fastest rising OS with tons of free apps and the ability to do what ever one wants with their phone. But what I see is apple flattery. EHH? you ask? well it is an imitation afterall. They are playing catch up with something apple created. Kinda like pepsi and coke. And i give serious points for originality. And the apps! God dont get me started on the apps. Have any of you seen the quality if apps on the android? Most of the free stuff are cheap knockoffs from the apple app store. 

Ok I am getting of of topic here. Let me get started on the iphone 4 then. The phone looks deadly. I mean the all glass surface on both front and back, the sheer thinness and the surprising heft for its size makes it scream ’Premium’ quality. It really is one good looking phone. Then you switch it on and lay witness to the best screen you have laid eyes on yet!! Retina display rocks! The touch interface is the smoothest, if not the best. Every single touch or graze is registered and the reaction to it instantaneous. The call quality is excellent on both sides thanks to noise cancellation and an excellent ear piece. The OS is simplistic and the included apps basic yet useful. The phone has only 1 speaker which can confuse some people as there are 2 grillls at the bottom that looks similar. Apparently the right side one is the microphone. That being said the sound quality for a mono speaker is tremendously good. Not the loudest, but the clarity is definitely worth noting. Smsing is a breeze and the web browser is slick. You rarely register that flash doest play on this thing. And thanks to the excellent screen, ebook reading is now ridiculously easy. Its simple and i have personally finished 4 books so far in the 1 and half month time that I’ve had this phone.

Well now that I have covered all the basics of the phone let me get to the part why this phone stands apart among tons of other smartphones. The apps. Pretty much everything you can think of.. . ’ there is an app for that ’ (hope u guys have seen the commercial on tht) These amazing apps turn your phone into so much more. I swear i use the iphone more for entertainment and getting things done rather than use it as a phone. Yes sadly i have to admit that most of the apps are indeed priced and you would have to create an US account to access the whole deal as some of the apps are just not available in the Indian App store. What I personally did to get around the situation was the create an US account and put my payment method to none and then went on purchasing all my favs apps thru the itunes gift cards. You can opt for someone to get it for you from abroad or just get the or from this website http://www.itunesgc.com or just plain walk into a store nearby where you know its being sold (mostly grey markets. The will charge you more than the actual value of the card.. like a service fee but this usually isnt much). So far i have downloaded more than 70 apps and the quality of these are indeed hard to believe! I hope some of you have seen the infinity blade game on the iphone 4 and if not please google it. Thats the kind of graphics you get on it!! Its mindblowing! Actual pc and console games such as call of duty, fifa2011, assasin’s creed etc etc actually plays great on an iphone that too in HD quality!! I do wish if i could keep talking about the apps but that will need a whole new review page.

RATING: 5/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER jebby ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on Casio MJ 120T

Today, I read Review about Casio MJ 120T on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

One of my friend from my college wrote in a pink page of my handmade autograph that, ’Life is like mathematics. Friends to add, enemies to minus. Joys to multiply and Sorrows to divide’. Some times when I use a calculator, especially when I am in good mood I do think about the quote and reflect a bit.

Gone are years where people used to add with pencils and brain, page after page.   Arrives; calculator technology to reduce human efforts.Digital calculation made big difference in the business environment.   Even after the arrival of new generation computers and phones, calculators are still alive and highly useful.

I use Casio MJ-120T in my office for last 2 years of so. It is helping my job without any problem, whatsoever.   

Many other brands came and gone but CASIO is still number one brand when it come to quality calcultors.   Here I am not to present the general perception about Casio, but my observations and experience with one particular model I uses now. This you may be consider as a review as well as a user manual but limited to my knowledge to use it, so subject to. 

The first feature of this calculator is very common, i.e. it is working on solar energy and no need to put battery or charge.   Given that the battery days for calculators are gone, this I know is not any major advantage but the solar system is working perfectly though we are not open to solar energy but only to the electric lights.

The second feature of the calculator is that it has a display of 12 digits, means we can calculate figures up to 12 digits i.e. say 999.99 trillion or say 99,999.99 Crores. Pretty cool! I think that nearly fills almost all business firm needs. 

The Canceling Cousins: C button and AC button - the unique Canceling cousins are staying nearby. The C button Cancel the last full digit number where the AC (ALL CANCEL) button cancels all entries. The AC button also work as ON button, if the calculator is on off mode which the calculator set automatically if we are not using it for some time, say 10 minutes. We have to be careful for not to press AC when we want to cancel only one entry, instead use C.

Eleven Fingers: We all have 10 fingers but Casion MJ-120T is 11 fingered and the 11th finger is very useful as well!   Ok, I am sure you must have assumed that the 10 fingers are numbers from 0 to 9. The eleventh key is a double zero; i.e., if you want to type 10,00,000 instead of touching the keys 7 times, you can do it with 4 touches. Means this key adds two zeros in one touch.   This is very helpful when we have big amounts to deal with.  I remember when I traveled to Iran some 15 years back, there the calculators had keys with three zeros and more. You assume the numbers they deal with. The fingers (keys) are all well spaced and comfortable to use. 

Life’s happiness: My life’s control, aka the 4 basic arithmetical symbols (+ - x /) works perfectly. The point key, percentage key and Sum key are very dutiful for which I am grateful where they have made many of my life’s calculations with maximum accuracy. Then, there is no square function in the calculator but there is a root function.   I think the idea is that square you can do just by multiply by the same digit but roots is not possible by that way. Point taken, but a square key would have been helpful. 

My weak memory: I am getting old and all the positive thinking is not bringing my memory back. Now I start believing in taking outside assistance. With numbers while I calculate, I takes the help of M+ (Memory plus), M- (Memory Minus) & MRC (Memory Recollection). They are all working perfectly and helpful.

RATING: 5/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER Paulsb02 ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on Morni Hills

Today, I read Review about Morni Hills on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

Morni Hills - The one and only hill station in Haryana and only 45 km away from Chandigarh. It is situated at 3600 feet above the sea level. It’s a very small hill station. Traditions assign the name of Morni to a Queen who was believed to have ruled this area. Situated in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, Morni is ideal for a holiday with its cool clime, beautiful natural vistas and myriad opportunities for bird watching, trekking, rock-climbing and other adventure sports.

It is a much-loved place of wildlife aficionado and birdwatchers with its rich population of bird and wild animals.

Best Time to visit:

The best time for visit is September to March.

How to Reach:

Well, your own vehicle or taxi on rent would be a better option to go there; as Govt. buses are easily available from Panchkula only.

But if you are going by your own vehicle then please get the tank full of oil, as Petrol pump is not available anywhere on the way.

Where to stay:

Only two resorts are available there for stay. 

Morni Resort: This resort is very expensive with the tariff of 2200/- to 2800/- per day. Though the services are quite good but somehow they are overcharged.

Mountain Quill Resort: This is a quite nice hotel and its tariff is comparatively low with 900/- to 1800/- per day.

But I would suggest not to stay there as only one day is sufficient to visit this place and you can easily come back to Chandigarh on the same day.

RATING: 4/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER VV_85 ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on The Dirty Picture Songs

Today, I read Review about The Dirty Picture Songs on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

The Dirty Picture is a biopic movie based on southern actress ‘Silk Smitha’, directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. As Silk Smitha was a top actress in 1980s so the theme of the movie and music is around that period. I was waiting for the release of music of this movie since the time of first ‘Ooh La La’ teaser. The music album is released today (1/11/11).

The movie has total six songs, all composed by the great Vishal-Shekar duo. The music will remind you of old times, though not a exact replica. All the songs are written by Rajat Aroraa. There are four original songs, one remix, and one female version.

Ooh La La- The album opens with this oomph and energetic song. It is sung by the great disco musician Bappi Lahiri and the sweet singer Shreya Ghoshal. It is pictured on Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in a very bold and sexy way. The singer duo justified the video of the song. I have noticed that it is the first time that Shreya has sung this type of song but it’s just awesome. There is not much in the lyrics (except that Ooh La La), just repetitive phrases but anyhow it is the heart of this movie. 

There is one dhol remix version of this song also, remixed by DJ A-Myth. The original song is much better than the remix. 

Haaye! tune hi barsaat karayi

Kya kare ye yovan bechara

Bechara. Bechara.

Ooh la la ooh la la

Ooh la la ooh la la

Tu Hai Meri Fantasy

My rating for this song- 4/5 

Ishq Sufiyana- It is becoming a routine to include one or two Sufi songs in all movies nowadays. This Sufi song is sung by a new singer Kamal Khan who was a contestant in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2010. If Ooh La La is heart of this movie, this one is the soul. It is beautifully pictured on Emran Hashmi and Vidya Balan with background dancers singing in Sufi style. The lyrics fulfill all the criteria of a Sufi song. 

There is one female version also of this song which is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan.

Mere dil ko khuda se juda kar de

Yun bas tu mujhko fanaa kar de

Mera haal tu, meri chaal tu

Bas kar aashiqana

Tere waaste mera Ishq Sufiyana

My ratings for this song- 4.5/5

RATING: 4/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER amiqu ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on Chulha Chuki Da Dhaba - Bangalore

Today, I read Review about Chulha Chuki Da Dhaba - Bangalore  on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

This year I could not celebrate the "Bhai Duj" with my brother,as he was not well on that day. But somehow I wanted to do something special him. So last Sunday we planned for a family lunch. Now,he stays some 30 km away from my place,so we selected the venue near his place. He’s the one who suggested "Chulha Chauki Da Dhaba", a new outlet has just opened near Hennur Bus depot. He also told me," Just visit the place,I know you will be impressed. I have celebrated my birthdays with me friends there,the food is awesome! They organize events for corporate people also,so it’s not very average. Just give it a try and then tell me." I was surprised,because my bro generally doesn’t give so much certificate to anything! We agreed to try this,but we had a doubt whether we will get a table or not,without proper booking on a busy Sunday lunchtime.

However,we reached the place by 3 pm. There is no proper parking space,so we parked our vehicle on the main road near this place and walked a little to reach the destination. It’s on the third floor of that building,lift is there. Once we entered the restaurant,we found it very interesting. Fortunately we got the table easily,as the rush of lunch hour was just over. Believe me,this is the area where I lived for almost 4 yrs but never thought something like this is possible here! The decor is cool,based on the theme of Punjabi Village. I liked the lanterns hanging overhead with electric bulbs in them. There was these typical "Khatiyas" and sitting arrangements to make it look like a dhaba. The waiters are also dressed in Punjabi Kurtas.They have an open kitchen and a corner for "paan".However the washroom is not that good,toilets stink there and it’s dimly lit. Well,we are not to spend time there.... so we concentrated on menu card.

RATING: 4/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER chalojai ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

Reviews on Sony PSP

Today, I read Review about Sony PSP on Mouthshut.com – The Consumer Review Website

Hi Friends and Ms,

well this is the review i am going to keep all my feelings on this and want to share everything about this gadget, bcoz i love this. i hope this review will help more for game lovers so lets start.

What is PSP ?

PSP (Play Station Portable) is the product of sony computer entertainment and it was introduced in 2003. it has 4 models PSP 1000, 2000, 3000 & PSP GO. it is designed for maximum entertainment purpose. we can use this for HD gaming, Watching Movies and Videos, Listening Music, Browsing Internet and can view photos. in a simpler way i can say this as a HD Weapon for Gamers.

Feature’s: (PSP 3000 as i own this Model)

CPU: PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1-333MHz)

External Memory: Memory Stick Duo™ slot 

Screen: 4.3 inches (16:9) TFT display, 480x272 pixel

AV OUT: it has analog video out and can be connected to tv.

Internal Disk Drive: we can use UMD’S discs for playing.

Built In Stereo Speakers

Wi-Fi

3.5 mm Jack and Built-in Microphone

USB Connector+Power Supply.

My Experience:

I’m using this psp since 1 year and had a fabulous experience, atleast once a day i use this. the gaming experince in this psp is really awesome and realistic. as it is a handhels device it is very comfortable to handle it and very friendly user to guide everyone. at the backside of the console it has a drive which allows to insert UMD’s (Universal Media Discs). Eventhough we can install games on Memory Stick as well. This gives me best entertainment on the go, as i travel much this gadget is my best timepass. I even prefer this for music listening, it has a great audio clarity and boom bass sound. Videos are best part to view in this, best clarity. Even i surf internet wherever i found Wi-Fi spots. through AV out we can even connect this PSP to our tv, this is a fantastic option in PSP.

overall i loved this and still loving this friends believe me. So my experience gives 9.5/10

What Games can we Play ???

we can play all games like shooting, racing, adventure what not anykind of game. plz dont think that it will be like a mobile gaming experince. so many of them think that there are limited games fo this PSP, but its not like that friends there are so many companies that manufacture Games for PSP. Just have a look at the below link, at present available games for PSP.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PlayStation_Portable_games 

RATING: 4/5

YOU CAN READ THE DETAILED REVIEW ON MOUTHSHUT.COM

NOTE : THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY A MOUTHSHUT MEMBER sandeepkanchi ON MOUTHSHUT.COM